The Revd Steve Hollinghurst has been appointed to the new diocesan role of Evangelism Enabler with an Environmental Focus.
Steve will join the Mission Team, as part of the wider Discipleship, Vocation and Evangelism (DVE) Department, in February.
The new post, believed to be the first of its kind, seeks both to respond to the challenge of the environment crisis and the Good News of a creator God.
Steve, who lives in Sutton Coldfield, is well known in the Fresh Expressions and pioneering world and has extensive experience in training and researching on contemporary culture, evangelism and new Christian communities. He was part of the team that developed the Forest Church movement.
Mission Team leader Simon Foster said: “This is an innovative post which takes seriously our diocesan priority of evangelism and our belief that the Church has something distinctive to bring to our response to the environment. We are delighted to welcome Steve to the diocese, and to the mission team and look forward to the passion, energy and vision he is bringing to this role.”
As part of his role, Steve will be identifying and developing a new flagship project.
Steve said: "The vision for the new role, which sees the link between evangelism and Christian commitment to creation care and climate justice, is really innovative. It is a vision I am passionate about. I am looking forward to taking up this exciting new post and sharing in that vision in the Diocese of Lichfield."
This year’s Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent book, 'Saying Yes to Life' by Ruth Valerio, explores Christian responses to the environment. It is also the Bishop of Lichfield's 2020 Lent Book and is available to order by churches and groups across the diocese. Copies can be ordered for the discounted price of £6 each from Helen Scheven. Books must be ordered by Friday 24 January and will be distributed in February.